Paper 2

Question 1

Q: What is a key quote by Hitler about popular movements?

Answer 1

A: “All great movements are popular sentiments, volcanic eruptions of human passions… Stirred either by the cruel goddess of distress or by the firebrand of the world hurled amongst the masses.”

Question 2

Q: How did economic conditions affect the rise of the Nazi Party?

Answer 2

A: “Only when things go economically wrong for Germany did the Nazi Party flourish and vice-versa.” - Alfred Sohn-Rethel. “It was the Great Depression that put the wind in the sails of National Socialism.” - A.I.P. Taylor.

Question 3

Q: How did Ian Kershaw describe Hitler’s political context?

Answer 3

A: “Hitler’s only hope was a massive and comprehensive ‘Crisis of the state.’”

Question 4

Q: What were the economic crises faced by Germany?

Answer 4

A:

1923 Hyperinflation Crisis (Ruhr)
1929 Great Depression
1929: 2 million unemployed
1931: 6 million unemployed
1932: 1/3 of Germans had no stable income

Question 5

Q: What were the political consequences of economic crises?

Answer 5

A: Political crisis under Bruning, who ruled by presidential decree (Article 48), led to lowered government spending and collapsed prices and wages.

Question 6

Q: How did Nazi votes change during the economic crisis?

Answer 6

A:

1928: 2.6%
1930: 18.3%
July 1932: 37.8% (largest party in Reichstag)
November 1932: 33.1%

Question 7

Q: Why did people turn to the Nazis during the economic crisis?

Answer 7

A: The Nazis capitalized on the crisis by offering law and order, dynamism, national glory, and presenting Hitler as a messianic figure.

Question 8

Q: What was the significance of Article 48?

Answer 8

A: It allowed the President to rule by decree, bypassing democratic processes, contributing to the loss of faith in the political system

Question 9

Q: How did social divisions manifest during the rise of the Nazis?

Answer 9

A: Antisemitism was prevalent, scapegoating Jews as usurers and linking them to economic crises and Bolshevism.

Question 10

Q: What was Hitler’s view on history and race?

Answer 10

A: Hitler believed history was propelled by a battle of races and described Jews and Slavs as “Untermenschen” (sub-humans).

Question 11

Q: How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany?

Answer 11

A: The German reaction to Versailles contributed to Hitler’s rise, as he promised to revise the unfavorable terms.

Question 12

Q: What was Allan Bullock’s perspective on Hitler’s rise to power?

Answer 12

A: “Hitler came to office…as the result, not…of a popular victory at the polls…but a shoddy political deal.”

Question 13

Q: What was the Enabling Act?

Answer 13

A: Passed on March 23, 1933, it allowed the Reich government to issue laws without the consent of parliament, laying the groundwork for the Nazification of German society.

Question 14

Q: What was the goal of the Volksgemeinschaft?

Answer 14

A: The aim was to create a unified community based on racial purity and national solidarity.

Question 15

Q: What were the key aims of Nazi economic policy?

Answer 15

A: Economic recovery, establishing a war economy (Wehrwirtschaft), and autarky (self-sufficiency).

Question 16

Q: Describe the three main phases of Nazi economic policy.

Answer 16

A:

1933-36: Leadership of Hjalmar Schacht focusing on deficit spending and public works.
1936-42: Limited war economy under Hermann Göring.
1942/43-45: Total war economy led by Albert Speer.

Question 17

Q: What was the purpose of Gleichschaltung?

Answer 17

A: It aimed to coordinate all aspects of the German state under Nazi control, effectively Nazifying institutions.

Question 18

Q: How did the Nazis control education and youth?

Answer 18

A: Through indoctrination, curriculum changes, and establishing youth organizations for boys and girls.

Question 19

Q: What was the Nazi approach to religion?

Answer 19

A: Control over Catholic and Protestant churches and collaboration with the German Christian movement.

Question 20

Q: How were women treated under Nazi policies?

Answer 20

A: They were encouraged to adhere to traditional roles, focused on family and church, with varying treatment based on race.

Question 21

Q: How did the Nazis utilize art for propaganda?

Answer 21

A: They organized exhibitions to promote “Aryan” art while denouncing “degenerate art” and utilized media like posters, films, and radio.

Question 22

Q: Who were considered minorities under Nazi rule?

Answer 22

A: Jewish people, the asocial, disabled individuals, Roma-Sinti, and Jehovah’s Witnesses faced persecution.

Question 23

Q: How did Hitler consolidate power after becoming Chancellor?

Answer 23

A: He used a combination of legal methods, force, charismatic leadership, and propaganda, culminating in the Gleichschaltung process.

Question 24

Q: What was the significance of the Reichstag Fire?

Answer 24

A: It allowed Hitler to enact the Decree for the Protection of the People and the State, removing civil liberties and targeting communists.

Question 25

Q: What was the outcome of the March 1933 elections for the Nazis?

Answer 25

A: They increased their seats to 288 but only secured 44% of the vote.

Question 26

Q: What did the Enabling Act signify for the Reichstag?

Answer 26

A: It effectively voted itself out of power, allowing Hitler to govern without parliamentary approval.

Question 27

Q: What was the Night of the Long Knives?

Answer 27

A: A purge on June 30, 1934, where Hitler eliminated the SA leadership and other political opponents to consolidate his power.

Question 28

Q: How did Nazi propaganda reinforce Hitler’s image?

Answer 28

A: Through organized events like the Day of Potsdam and media control, portraying Hitler as a savior of Germany.

Question 29

Q: How did Hitler establish himself as the Fuhrer?

Answer 29

A: He combined the offices of President and Chancellor after Hindenburg’s death, securing total control over the German state.